[Thiamine in irradiated foodstuffs I. Influence of different radiation conditions and of time after irradiation]. Effects of 10 MeV-electron radiation on thiamine dichloride in crystalline form and in solution, and on thiamine in dried whole egg are described. Both in the dry state and in aqueous solutions, radiation induced reactions continue to affect thiamine over a considerable period of time after irradiation. Thiamine losses decrease in the order: dry thiamine dichloride, aqueous solution, hydrochloric acid solution, dried whole egg.


Nonenzymic browning. XI. Effect of free amino groups on browning reactions in lipid-protein mixtures. The course of browning was more rapid in mixtures of polyunsaturated fatty acid esters with casein that in those of the same lipids with formaldehyde-treated casein or with an inert inorganic substrate (barium sulphate or sodium sulphate). On the contrary, the content of oxidation products (peroxides and aldehydes) was much higher in lipids mixed with formaldehydetreated casein or with inorganic substrates. The results obtained with albumin were similar. The ratio of red to yellow pigments was higher in mixtures with non-treated casein than in the other two investigated reaction mistures. Brown pigments contained only low per centages of nitrogen.


[Substrate specifity of "cholesteroloxidase" for the enzymatic determination of cholesterol]. The substrate specifity of "Cholesteroloxidase" (E.C.1.1.3.6) from Nocardia erythropolis was studied. The main sterols from animal and plant fats and 4-methylsterols as well as one triterpene served as substrates. The enzyme is not specific for cholesterol but also reacts with all the natural 3 beta-hydroxysterols. However, the enzymatic reaction may contribute as a new analytical method to determine the "total sterols" in the unsaponifiable matter of fats.


[Gaschromatographic determination of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Investigations from the gas phase of cigarette smoke]. A gaschromatographic method for the quantitative determination of CO and CO2  is described. The method is suitable in a wide sensitivity range from ppm to % content of these gases. CO, CH4 and CO2 are separated under isothermic working conditions by the use of a column filled with carbon molecular sieve CMS. The column should be regenerated only after more than 1000 analyses. The quantitative determination of CO and CO2 in cigarette smoke is reported. With a total retention time of less than one min. this system enables the analysis of the carbon oxides to be performed puff by puff. The CO and CO2 contents of the vapour phase of various test cigarettes are discussed.


[The problem of yawning in reptiles].

[The problem of yawning in reptiles]. Yawning in reptiles was investigated in field observations of various lizard and tortoise species and in laboratory experiments with the tortoises Testudo h. hermanni and Emys orbicularis. In the experiments the animals' reactions to various conditions of temperature, air O2 and CO2 content, fatigue and hunger, were tested. Yawning and related or similar motor patterns are described and discussed.


Scent marking by male golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). II. The role of the flank gland scent in the causation of marking. Investigated the role of the odor of the flank gland in the stimulation of flank marking by male hamsters, Mesocricetus auratus. In the first experiment it was shown that a male has customary marking posts and that a second male introduced into the first male's area will mark in the same places. In experiment 2 nine test male male flank, marked less in the home cages of flank glandectomized male male than in the cages of normal male male. In experiment 3 it was shown that flank glandectomized male male marked at within the range of frequencies for normal male male.


Tool use in a group of captive chimpanzees I. Escape. A group of 4 female and 3 male adolescent wild-born chimpanzees was observed for 7 months in an outdoor enclosure. Use of tools aimed at escaping from this enclosure is decribed, the two main techniques being the use of poles as ladders and sticks as pitons.


[The phylogenetic importance of the behavior of the dragonfly Epallage fatime Charp. 1840]. The behaviour of the dragonfly E. fatime was observed in the field in the Near East, in Turkey and on Rhodos in the summers of 1971 and 1973. A short ethogram of the species is given and its behaviour compared with that of other dragonflies. On this basis its phylogenetic position is discussed.


[Description of a method for the determination of the number and quality of influenza virus antibody molecules by means of equilibrium centrifugation (author's transl)]. The method of equilibrium centrifugation for determining the number of antibody molecules (A) and their equilibrium constant K characterizing the reactivity of antibody with antigen described in this paper is based on the use of virus-coated formaldehyde-treated erythrocytes as immuno-adsorbent. Graded doses of the immuno-adsorbent are mixed with the serum to be tested and the degree of antibody adsorption is measured. By analogy to the formula used in the method of equilibrium filtration, these data can be evaluated in order to determine the concentration of antibody molecules and the equilibrium constant K. Adsorption of virus on formaldehdye-treated erythrocytes results in steric hindrance of a part of the antigenic sites of the virus particles. This was taken into account by measuring sera comparatively both by means of equilibrium centrifugation and by use of equilibrium filtration and establishing correction formulas. Both techniques were found to have the same sensitivity and accuracy. In comparison to equilibrium filtration, equilibrium centrifugation offers the advantage that it can be used with test antigens which are below the minimum size needed in  equilibrium filtration.


Induction of chain formation in Clostridium sporogenes by suramin. Cl. sporogenes NCTC 532 was grown in serial doubling dilutions of Suramin from 1% to 0.125% w/v in BHI broth containing 1% glucose. After overnight incubation the culture grew into extremely long chains on transfer into suramin free medium reverted to normal morphology.


[Studies on the culture of clostridium butyricum strain M 55 ATCC 13.732. 4th Communication: The influence of peptone quality upon kininase activity (author's transl)]. Studies of the oncolytic effect of Cl. butyricum strain M 55 resulted in the hypothesis of oncolysis to be an effect of a continuous production of kinin-decomposing enzymes. A decomposition of bradykinin will reduce capillary permeability and microcirculation in the tumour tissue, thus releasing and maintaining the process  of necrotization. To achieve an optimal oncolytic effect of Cl. butyricum M 55, in addition to conditions already demanded in preceding papers, also an abundant production of kininase is required. Experience has shown peptone-containing media to be most suitable for culturing the M 55 strain, kininase formation being dependent upon peptone quality. The best yield of kinine-decomposing enzymes was achieved with the following peptones: peptone from Gelatine Merck, Tryptose Merck, Microbiotone Oxoid, Proteose Oxoid and Trypticase BBL. To obtain the greatest possible kininase production by the spores of Cl. butyricum M 55 applied for oncolytic therapy, the peptones mentioned are recommended for culture.


[Leukotactic studies with artificial body cavities in rabbits (author's transl)]. Artificial body cavities (KK) produced by implanting polyethylene balls in the subcutaneous tissues of rabbits proved to be suitable for the in vivo studies of leukotaxis. Na-caseinate induced a cell content per mm-3 KK-fluid of 7000-8500, "clumping-factor" of Staphylococcus aureus that of 9000 and capsular substances of S. aureus a delayed increase to 5300 cells per mm-3 KK-fluid. Paraffinum liquidum caused a somewhat delayed increase in granulocytes and not in macrophages. In all cases the percentage of granulocytes increased with the cell content and reached values up to 96%.


[Lambliasis in a european child in Cuba (author's transl)]. Attention is drawn to the possibility of infection with Lamblia intestinalis (Giardia lamblia). In Europe, this parasite is found in 3-26% of children; for tropical countries, higher infection rates are given. In Cuba, infection with Lamblia caused intestinal disorders in a European child.


[An attenuated strain of vaccinia virus (MVA). Successful intramuscular immunization against vaccinia and variola (author's transl)]. The attenuated MVA strain of vaccinia virus was previously shown to be innocuous and immunogenic at intracutaneous injection. It was therefore suggested for clinical trial. Preliminary results in human vaccinees are promising. The present experiments were initiated to study the intramuscular injection of the vaccine as a preferable route of administration. Histological examination was done in rabbits and monkeys. At the site of injection there were but minor inflammatory reactions considerably less pronounced than after the injection of commercial tetanus vaccine which was used for comparison. Intramuscular immunization with strain MVA repeated twice protected rabbits against an intravenous challenge with vaccinia strain Elstree; monkeys were protected against experimental smallpox. Intramuscular immunization with attenuated smallpox vaccine is suggested for clinical trial.


Longitudinal epidemiological survey on hepatitis B-antigen carriers among institutionalized juvenile diabetics. An epidemiological study was carried out in a juvenile diabetics institution, in order to determine the incidence and the significance of the hepatitis associated Australia antigen (HBAg) carriers. By means of counterelectrophoresis and CF an average of 15% HBAg-positive individuals was found during the course of the search (June 1970-January 1973). As a rule the carrier state appeared to be longlasting and it was only occasionally associated with symptoms and/or signs of liver involvement. Isolation measures to inhibit spread of serum hepatitis (the hepatitis most associated with HBAg) failed partially to prevent the spread of the HBAg associated agent suggesting that nonparenteral transmission could play a role in the diffusion of the infection.


On the sugar content of the lipopolysaccharides of the various strains known as Yersinia enterocolitica. With a single exception among 11 strains, each strain of Y. enterocolitica representing one of the six O-groups possesses, as judged by the sugar composition of its lipopolysaccharides, a particular chemotype. All 14 of the strains examined possessed glucosamine, KDO, two heptoses and glucose. In the most complicated chemotype 10 sugars were demonstrable. Of three Y. enterocolitica strains not included in the 6 O-groups, two had the same chemotype as the representatives of the O-groups IV and VI. Details can be seen in the two tables.


[Investigations on toxic fractions of swine erysipelas bacteria (erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae). 1. Communication: Toxicity investigation on a phenol water extract in chicken embryos (author's transl)]. The watersoluble fractions (WESTPHAL et al., 1952 a, b) of twelve Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae strains, which differed in virulence were tested for toxicity for ten day old chick-embryos by the route of i.v. injection. The LD50-values ranged from 108 mug to 0.01 mug toxin dry weight/embryo. The different toxicity of these extracts for chick-embryos was compared with the virulence of the corresponding strains in swine: The extracts of four strains with high virulence were very toxic for chick-embryos (LD50:0,01 mug to 0.207 mug) The extracts of four non-virulent strains were low-, respectively non-toxic (LD50:10.95 mug to 108 mug) The extract of one virulent strain showed an intermediate degree of toxicity (LD50:2.8 mug) In tese nine strains there was a correlation between virulence for swine and the toxicity of the extracts for chick-embryos. But this relation could not be found for three other strains.


[Clinical and histopathological findings in mycoplasmal polyarthritis of rats. I. Course of infection during the first 8 days (author's transl)]. Polyarthritis in rats could be induced by intraperitoneal infection with M. arthritidis. The mycoplasma culture alone or in combination with infusorial earth was used as inoculum. The histopathological changes consisted of initial lesions in the transitional zone of the articular capsule which could be attributed to disturbances of vascular permeability. After two days suppurative arthritis occurred, which was accompanied by massive inflammatory lesions of the articular capsule and of the periarticular tissues. Towards the end of the observation period erosions of cartilage, pannus formation and periarticular foci of purulent necrobiosis were found. Especially the synovial membrane was subjected to profound changes and dense cellular infiltration. The cell infiltration, mesenchymal proliferation and changes of vascular permeability showed variations in timing and degree depending on the modi of infection. The histological examinations of organs indicated generalization of the infection.


Epidemiological study of an "hand-foot-and-mouth disease" outbreak observed in Rome in the fall of 1973. An outbreak of "hand-foot-and-mouth disease" (HFMD) occurred in Nov. 1973 in a nursery school. Sixty-seven children were studied, 15 of whom presented clinical signs of the disease. Sixty-two percent of the HFMD cases and 18% of asymptomatics were proved to be infected with Coxsackie virus A 16. The ratio of clinical to asymptomatic infection of nursery-school children with confirmed Coxsackie A 16 infection was 58%. The accidental diffusion of the infection led to the occurrence of secondary cases. This allowed to establish the incubation period of the illness at 8 to 12 days, for 3 individual cases where a single infecting contact in a very definite time could be documented. Fecal excretion of virus was demonstrable in 2 cases up to 10-20 days, while the duration of oral excretion appeared to be somewhat shorter. Evidence was also obtained showing that infectious virus could be spread by patients during the incubation period. Virus isolations were more easily obtained in suckling mice than in cell culture.


[Microtiter agglutination test for salmonella and brucella antibodies (author's transl)]. To compare the tube agglutination test and the microtiter plate agglutination procedure, 207 human sera were tested for agglutinins to Salmonella and 267 sera for agglutinins to Brucella by both methods. A positive reaction in the microtiter test was indicated by a smooth or irregular mat shape at the bottom of each well in the microtiter plate, whereas a negative reaction was shown by a settling of the antigen to a button shape. As can be seen in table 1, identical titer or only one dilution difference between both tests were found in more than 93% of the samples tested. The plate test was easier to perform and saved time, space, antigen and serum. The microtiter-agglutination technique can, therefore, be recommended for the routine laboratory for serology.


[Purification of coxiella burneti antigen by density gradient centrifugation (author's transl)]. Coxiella burneti, strain Henzerling, Phase II, was recovered from yolk sacs of infected chidken embryos by mechanical separation, treated with Freon and purified by density gradient centrifugation. A J-21 Beckman Centrifuge was applied and the JCF-Z Rotor with a zonal as well as a continuous flow core was used. The technique of producing different types of gradients with a wide range of density (1-60% Sucrose) without a gradient pump is described. With the zonal core a good separation of antigen from unspecific proteins was achieved with 60 Min. at 15000 rpm (Fig. 2-4). The antigens bandet in 1-4 characteristic peaks within the range of 45-49% Sucrose (1,2102-1,2532 g/ml), according to the gradient used. A certain amount of specific fluorescent antigen was also found within the peaks of unspecific protein at densities of 18 -- 20% Sucrose (1,0776-1,0820 g/ml). Centrifugation for more than 1 hour only caused a shift of the antigen peaks into a higher range of density. Using the continuous flow core 2 antigen peaks were found within a density of 43-50% Sucrose (1,1961-1,2341 g/ml). Unspecific protein banded with a peak at 15% Sucrose (1,0612 g/ml); small amounts of specific fluorescent antigen were also found within that density. Approaching equilibrium by centrifuging up to 44 hours at 19000 rpm caused the Coxiella antigens to band at 54% Sucrose (1,2544 g/ml).


[How fastidious are the so-called non-fastidious neisseriae? (AUTHOR'S TRANSL)]. 75 strains of all the so-called non-fastidious Neisseria species were examined for their ability to grow on blood and nutrient agar at temperatures between 22 degrees C and 45 degrees C. The result was that only Neisseria mucosa var. mucosa, N. catarrhalis, N. ovis and N. canis grow sufficiently on nutrient agar at 22 degrees C. N. lactamica has an even narrower range of of growth (30-37 degrees C) than meningococci. Therefore, the statement in Bergey's Mnaual that the saprophytic neisseriae can be separated from the pathogenic species by their minor needs for temperature and media should be corrected.


Esthetic blepharoplasty.

Esthetic blepharoplasty. Esthetic blepharoplasty is the operation designed to correct excess skin and/or pseudoherniation of fat in the eyelids. These eyelid changes give the pateint a tired look and make him or her look (prematurely) old. The indications and contraindications for the procedure are reviewed. The possibilites and the limitations of the operation must be thoroughly discussed with the patient preoperatively. A psychological evaluation of the patient must be carried out by the surgeon in order to discard unsuitable candidates for the operation. The esthetic blepharoplasty is performed under local anesthesia, completed by intravenous sedation. The operative technique is outlined and consists of judicious skin excisions and resection of fat from the differenct orbital compartments. Atraumatic technique is of utmost importance. Complications are rare in experienced hands but are almost unavoidable in inexperienced hands. Ectropion of the lower eyelid is the most common complication. The cause, prevention and treatment of possible complications are discussed. If carried out properly in a well selected patient by a competent plastic surgeon, the esthetic blepharoplasty gives very satisfying results.


[Jejunostomy after total gastrectomy (author's transl)]. Referring to his personal experience with total gastrectomy for neoplasms, the author advises systematic complementary jejunostomy. He noticed this method had many advantages.


[Ureteral obstruction secondary to aortic femoral by-pass (author's transl)]. We have presented 3 cases of ureteral obstruction secondary to aortic femoral by-pass grafting. This complication has not been frequently reported and we feel that it may be more common than recognised. In all the other published cases the ureter was passing behind the prosthesis but the authors present a surgically proved case where the ureter lies in its normal position. They also prefer the aseptic vascular procedures for reconstruction.


[Present concepts of the treatment of malignant melanoma (author's transl)]. The Groupe de Recherche sur les Mélanomes Malins of the Centre hospitalier Lariboisière-Saint Louis has undertaken a randomized study of some therapeutic protocoles. The surgical stage had been performed in the Plastic and Reconstruction Surgery Service of the Hopital Saint Louis. Various chosen protocoles are exposed here.


[Malignant melanomas of Lille 1967-1972. Comparison between "histoprognosis" and actual outcome (author's transl)]. This work groups 126 cases of malignant melanomas operated since 1967. Seventy-seven cases responding to 2 criterions were selected: reexamination of the primary pathologic sample of melanoma according to 4 tests of histoprognosis and adequate follow-up of the patient. Histoprognostic criterions according to Clark and Mihm were the histogenetic type, the level of invasion plus vascular embolic neoplastic invasion and the notion of mitotic index. Four main conclusions emerged: Statistical notion of a critical period situated between the 12th and 30th month, during which 40% of patients die, especially those with primary tumor of histogenetic type NM (nodular melanoma) or SSM (superficial spreading melanoma) and invasion stage IV and V. Assurance of the value of histoprognosis in the primary cognition of tumoral determinism. A new precision in the decision of systematic node excision in invasion stages IV and V, and in stages III with high mitotic index. Reasonable and early use of all therapeutic means in cases with unfavourable histoprognosis.


Experimental surgery on the Cloudman S91 melanoma with the carbon-dioxide laser. The continuous wave CO2 laser lacks a number of draw-backs of the pulsed Ruby laser, and seems attractive for tumor surgery. We compared the CO2 laser with conventional surgery in experiments on mice bearing the Cloudman S91 melanoma. We had the same rate of local recurrence and lung metastasis in both techniques.


[Preliminary results of immuno-surgical treatment of primary melanoma (author's transl)]. During the course of 1973, 14 patients affected by primary skin melanoma were treated with surgery and adjunctive immunotherapy. This comprized preliminary non specific treatment with 2 - 4 di-nitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) followed by wide excision. Pathological examination of melanomas thus treated essentially shows dysruption of tumoral masses by lymphoplasmocytic strands. Significant increase in 19S (IgM) is observed after immunotherapy. Though follow-up perspective is insufficient, all patients following this therapeutic protocole are in apparent complete remission.


Effect of pregnenolone-16alpha-carbonitrile, a microsomal enzyme inducer, on the regenerating rat liver. PCN, a microsomal enzyme inducer, given orally (10 mg in 1 ml water twice daily for 5 days), increased liver weight and mitotic activity in intact as well as in partially hepatectomized rats. Electron microscopy revealed SER proliferation in the hepatocytes of animals treated with PCN alone. Accumulation of SER membranes was also evident in the liver cell cytoplasm of untreated, partially hepatectomized rats; it was however, more pronounced in the hepatocytes of partially hepatectomized animals given PCN. These results indicate that the steriod has a marked effect on the regeneration rat liver.


Volumetric studies on the red nucleus of the rat at different ages. The postnatal development of the red nucleus in albino rat was quantitatively studied. Planimetric studies on stained paraffin sections of the midbrain showed that the red nucleus has a rounded contour with tapering ends and a broad centre. The volume of the red nucleus revealed an increase from birth, to reach its maximum at the age of 3 months, then declines until the age of 2 years. However, the size does not regain its newly born value. On the other hand, the number of cells remains constant during the entire life span of the animal.


Quantitative studies on the intermediate nerve of the mouse with the electron microscope. Quantitative counts of the intermediate nerve fibers of the mouse with electron microscope have shown that, on an average, 1,267 (79.3%) and 301 (18.9%) of the total nerve fibers (1,597) were myelinated and unmyelinated fibers, respectively. The number of unmyelinated fibers in the intermediate nerve was less than one-half the number of unmyelinated fibers in the greater petrosal nerve found in previous studies. Therefore, it is postulated that some of the unmyelinated fibers in the greater petrosal nerve may come from the intermediate nerve, while the rest may be derived from another source.


Fine structure of lymphoid cells in the nasal skin of primates. Electron microscopy of the nasal skin of primates shows that lymphoid cells are normally present in this region. No degeneration or mitosis of these cells or their transformation into other cell types was seen. These intraepidermal lymphocytes contained cytoplasmic fibrils. There was no evidence that they were phagocytic in the epidermis. The present study suggests that these lymphoid cells migrate into the lamina propria but not into the epidermis.


Plantar epidermis of the guinea pig and characteristics of the stratum corneum. The guinea pig plantar epidermis was examined by light-microscopical histochemical methods and by transmission electron microscopy. Autolysis of cell structure was much less complete in guinea pig plantar horny layer than in the back, and stainable cytoplasm was retained in keratinized cells but organelles were lost except for some degraded ultrastructural remnants. By light microscopy the whole thickness of the horny layer showed bound phospholipid and bound cysteine, and there was a weak cystine reaction at the peripheries of the keratinized cells. In ultrastructure the keratohyalin contained slightly larger subparticles than in the back skin. The horny layer was not divisible into basal, intermediate and superficial regions as in hairy skin. The stratum lucidum of light microscopy was not defined in electron micrographs. Osmium-stained cytoplasmic material was retained in horny cells about to be desquamated, in contrast to the empty appearance of these cells in hairy skin. Epidermal cells in plantar skin have ultrastructural cytoplasmic processes which are longer than they are broad. In the horny layer these interdigitate with those of neighbouring cells and are held together by lateral demonsomal junctions. Probably this gives mechanical strength against shearing forces experienced by the plantar horny layer.


Quantitative determination of sperm production from biopsy tissue through the estimation of maximum production ability of the testes in rabbits. Male rabbits were brought to ejaculate with the artifical vagina 6 times a week and from this the weekly sperm output was calculated. Testicular biopsies were taken 3 times, once in a 4-week interval from the same rabbits. The volumetric proportion of primary spermatocytes (method 1), all round spermatids (method 2) and round spermatids of stage 1 of the cycle (method 3) were determined from the biopsied tissue and with this and the corrected testicular volume the maximal sperm production was calculated. The correlations between the calculated sperm production and the actually counted sperm output was 0.80 with method 1,0.77 with method 2, and 0.66 with method 3. The best method to determine the maximal sperm production from testicular tissue is by counting the number of spermatids at stage 1 of the cycle, but in cases with reduced spermatogenesis it is difficult to get enough of these tubular sections, method 2 is therefore sometimes easier to apply.


Variations of the arterial supply of the duodenum and the pancreas in the domestic cat (Felis domestica brisson). We found that there are variations of the arterial supply of the duodenum and the pancreas in the domestic cat. In not a single cat does the cranial pancreatico-duodenal artery supply the whole descending duodenum. In 80% of our cases it supplies the cranial half, and in 20% of our cases only the cranial third of the descending duodenum. Only 48% of our cases is the caudal pancreaticoduodenal artery the first branch of the cranial mesenteric artery. But in 52% of our cases it is the second or even the third branch of the cranial mesenteric artery.


Morphology of ovarian changes during the reproductive cycle of the fish, Mystus tengara (Ham.). A study has been made of the morphological and histological changes of the cat fish (Mystus tengara) ovary during its reproductive cycle in natural and confined waters. This fish is oviparous and breeds once a year during the rainy season (July throught September). Factors responsible for bringing about spawning in fishes are discussed and the onset of spawning in Mystus is attributed to monsoon rains. In the ovarian cycle 7 phases have been recognised, whic are based on the gross morphological changes in the ovary, the percentage and duration of different developmental stages of oocytes, the average diameter and the gonosmatic index. They are: 1) immature virgin (November-February); 2) preparatory virgin (March-April); 3) maturing virgin (April-May); 4) pre-spawning virgin (June); 5) spawning (July-August); 6) depletion (September), and 7) recoupment (October-November). Oocyte growth has been divided into 9 stages. The ova diameter and gonosomatic index are maximum in July and minimum in November and December.


Medial hypothalamic nuclei in the macaque (Macaca mulatta) brain. The term 'medial hypothalamus' is used here for the region situated between the anterior hypothalamus and mamillary body (without the lateral hypothalamic area). The paper is based on a series from the macaque brain in three principal planes and stained by the Weigert-Wolters, Klüver-Barrera, Nissl, and Schultze methods. The following parts have been differentiated in the medial hypothalamus: the ventromedial, dorsomedial, dorsal, dorsocaudal, and infundibular nuclei.


Quantitative observations on the nasal epithelia and olfactory innervation in bats. Suggested design mechanisms for the olfactory bulb. The nasal epithelia of two species of bats were quantified with respect to relative surface areas and olfactory epithelial volumes. In the macrosmatic Aribeus jamaicensis 55.9% of the nasal cavity surface was covered by olfactory epithelium (232.4 mm2), in contrast to only 28.9% in the microsmatic Myotis lucifugus (36.4 mm2). The roles of the various nasal epithelia have been discussed as they may relate to olfaction, respiration and echolocation. In the olfactory bulbs of both species, the estimated concentration of mitral cells approximated at 2,500/mm2 compared to an olfactory nerve concentration of 5/mm2. In Artibeus, calculated total volume of olfactory epithelium was on the order of 16 times greater than in Myotis, and Artibeus' olfactory bulb diameter was twice as great. These findings, together with previously published surface, volume and physiological relationships, suggest a developmental design mechanism for an olfactory bulb in which the number of olfactory receptors increases some 450-fold above an initially established ratio of 2:1 between receptors and mitral cells. Key governing factors could be requisite mechanical rigidity of the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone and response thresholds of higher brain centers.


[No corpora sesamoidea laryngis in man and animal]. The fact that the Corpora sesamoidea have never been precisely defined has led to a series of small cartilaginous bodies in the larynx being thus designated, for want of a better solution. Since the corpora sesamoidea have been identified as capsular bodies, however, originating in or in connection with a synovial capsule, there remained only one laryngeal cartilage which appeared to fulfill all the criteria of sesamoid cartilage, namely the papilionaceous cartilage found in all alar species from Monotremata to Carnivora, and which comparative anatomists term proarytaenoid cartilage. If Goeppert's findings are regarded as having an additional functional significance, then it is clear that this cartilage too, like cartilagines interarytaenoidea, postarytaenoidea (dorsoarytaenoidea in the dog?) pararytaenoidea, cunciformis, corniculata, intercorniculata and triticea, is a connecting cartilage.


Exocoelomic internal hernia: elucidation of Papez's concept. Two internal herinias of the intestines were found in adult males. One was a large translucent avascular membranous sac contining the small intestine from the duodenojejunal flexure to a point 6 in. proximal to the ileocaecal junction. The other was a peritoneal sac enclosing the small intestine, appendix, caecum and 6 in. of the ascending colon. The mesenteric and colic vessels were normal. Both hernias conformed to PAPEZ's concept of the so-called paraduodenal hernia that the hernial sac is derived from the umbilical coelom. The authors suggest that most of the so-called paraduodenal hernias are derived from the embryonic umbilical peritoneal diverticulum rather than from the peritoneal recesses or mesentery of the colon.


[Functional architecture of the ligamentum arteriosum in adults]. The ligamentum arteriosum was studied in eight normal adult human hearts obtained at autopsy. Four of these hearts were treated by the Zemper method and extensively dissected under a steromicroscope (from X 6 up to X 40); two were embedded in celloidin and sectioned at 100mugm; two were embedded in paraffin and sectioned one 50mugm and the other at 75 mugm. Section were stained by the axan and the resorcin-fuchsin methods. Unstained sections were examined under polarized light. The ligamentum arteriosum may be considered as a small smooth muscle, whose origin is in the arteria pulmonalis sinistra and the insertion in the arcus aortae. Therefore, the ligamentum arterisum may be considered as a myoelastic system, included in a collagenous stroma. Muscle, elastic and collagen fibers present a cross-spiral disposition. Being a myoelastic system with a collagen component, the ligamentum arteriosum cannot be considered as a simple arcus aortae support; it must play some functional role in controlling the arcus aortae curvature during the several different steps of the cardiac cycle.


Photosynthetic production and wavelength-dependent energy migration. If the migration of the excitation energy depends on the wavelength of the exciting light then this can be expected to influence also photosynthetic production in monochromatic light. In the present investigations we started from this assumption. Tomato and paprika seedlings were used in the experiments. Analysis of the results obtained the two plants does not give a univocal answer to the question of whether the wavelength-dependent energy migration plays an important role in the dry-weight increase of the plants. It is beyond doubt, however, that the chlorophyll content and the dry matter increase are affected by the wavelength of the light to a considerable degree.


Effect of temperature on light-absorption and fluorescence of the peroxidase. The absorption and fluorescence spectra of peroxidase solutions is independent of temperature in the range from 10 to 45 degrees C. Above 45 degrees C the absorption decreases in the visible range and increases in the ultraviolet. The intensity of fluorescence decreases with the increase of temperature. The temperature quenching of the fluorescence is accompanied by an energy transfer from tyrosine to tryptophan. The optimum enzyme activity is observed at about 40 degrees C, at 75 degrees C the activity ceases. The heat-induced activity change is partially reversible, the activity being restored to 40 per cent on cooling down. Enzyme activity and the activation energy of fluorescence quenching of tyrosine and tryptophan residues are given in the temperature range from 10 to 45 degrees C. The kinetical characteristics of the processes are described.


Quinaldate as an inhibitor of mitochondrial oxidation at the substrate dehydrogenase level. Quinaldate (quinoline-2-carboxylate) inhibits the oxidation of substrates of rat-liver and kidney mitochondria. The concentration of quinaldate required to cause a 50-per-cent inhibition of ADP-activated oxygen uptake slightly differs with various substrates in the same type of mitochondria, and differs with the same substrate in the case of the two types of mitochondria and lies within the mM order of magnitude. In higher concentrations, quinaldate also inhibits the resting respiration (i.e. without ADP). The endogenous respiration of liver mitochondria is also inhibited. The inhibition of oxygen uptake of uncoupled or repeatedly frozen and thawed mitochondria shows the same sensitivity to quinaldate as that of untreated mitochondria in the presence of ADP. TMPD +ascorbate oxidation is not inhibited at all. NADH oxidation (in sonicated mitochondria) is only slightly inhibited even by high concentrations of quinaldate. The inhibition by quinaldate is reversible and of mixed type with respect to 3-hydroxybutyrate as substrate in liver mitochondria, with a Ki of about 0.1 mM. It can be concluded that quinaldate inhibits mitochondrial oxidation at the level of substrate dehydrogenases.


A "cytotoxic" factor released from unactivated human lymphocytes. A protein mixture named LTx, was released from human tonsillar lymphocytes, when incubated at 37 degrees C in either "individual" or "mixed" cultures. LTx caused a decrease in the incorporation of 14C-labelled amino acids of the target lymphocytes, while the release of 51Cr from labelled target cells increased. Target cells were found to bind the "toxic" protein.


Steroid spectrum in human urine as revealed by gas chromatography. I. Qualitative analysis of C19--C2102-3 steroids. C19C21O2 steroids of urine can be analyzed under isothermal conditions by gas chromatography after a pretreatment consisting of mild acid hydrolysis, simultaneous extraction with toluene (or, in the case of of C21O3 steroids, enzymatic hydrolysis followed by ether extraction), a short purification step and the formation of derivative. Separation of acetyl derivatives could be achieved by three columns: 3%SE-30,1.3%NGS and 3%QF-1. These were needed because the separation of 3alpha-hydroxy-5alpha-androstan-17-one from 3alpha-hydroxy-5beta-androstan-17-one and that of 3alpha-20alpha-dihydroxy-5beta-pregnane from 3alpha, 20alpha-dihydroxy-5alpha-pregnane could be accomplished only in the NGS fluid phase and QF-1 stationary phase, respectively. At the same time, this method gives information on the secretion of anabolic androgenic steroids and on the secretion and metabolism of progesterone and 17-hydroxy-progesterone in the human body. The application of a retention-index system specified for the steroid skeleton and substituents offers the possibility to correlate retention times to molecular structure, which facilitates the identification of problematic metabolites. Steroid spectra as shown by gas chromatography seem to be a promising tool in the early diagnosis of pregnancy on the basis of the increase in the excretion of 3alpha-20alpha-dihydroxy-5beta-pregnane.


Alkali cation effects on mitochondrial citrate uptake. The effect of alkali cations on the rate of citrate uptake of rat-liver mitochondria and on the citrate adsorption has been studied. In each set of results, as in a series of comparative respiratory studies, Cs+ is more stimulatory than the other ions. This effect might be the consequence of different electrostatic interactions between the membrane and ions in solution in the case of different cations.


The Z line of the flight muscle of honey-bee. The size and arrangement of the hexagonal filament lattice in the Z line of the flight muscle of honey-bee is similar to the size and arrangement of the lattice of A filaments. Z filaments show a "tubular" structure and possess a seemingly empty inner core just like A filaments do. The Z filaments are connected with a thick network transversally. The I filaments are probably embedded in this transversal network on both sides of the Z line; they cannot be recognized inside the Z line. The filament lattice of the Z line does not exclude the possibility of the A filaments to be connected to the Z line through the connecting filaments, or continuously to pass from one sarcomer into the other.


Studies on the clustering of multiple sclerosis in Finland II: microepidemiology in one high-risk county with special reference to familial cases. The epidemiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) was investigated in a small selected area within the western high-risk county of Finland. The investigation was extended to the level of single communes, villages and even houses, together with the search for all familial cases born in this district. The results were compared to those obtained for Helsinki, a city of medium-risk for MS. Prevalences by present domicile that exceeded 100 per 1000,000 inhabitants were recorded in several communes of the western high-risk county. The highest prevalence was 174.2. Seventy patients were born in the small high-risk area. This was 25% of the MS patients born in the whole county and much higher than expected (16%). A positive familial history of another MS patient was recorded in 8 cases (11%). They were all living, first-degree relatives. A similar history was found in only 2 cases (2%) among the 99 MS patients born in Helsinki. The birthplaces of the 123 parents of these 70 MS cases could be confirmed. All villages with high MS frequencies were located along the rivers, running through the area. The birthplaces of the patients showed a similar accumulation to the valleys. No conjugal cases were found. If the preponderance of familial cases in the small high-risk area reflects the role of genetic factors in the aetiology of MS, it is only of polygenic nature. The pronounced clustering of the birthplaces in the small high-risk area and, especially, along the rivers also suggests the importance of environmental influences in early childhood.


The synthesis of prostaglandins in platelets from patients with multiple sclerosis. As a continuation of our previous studies on the synthesis of prostaglandins (PGs) in human thrombocytes, the present study concerns the biosynthesis of PGs in thrombocytes from patients with multiple sclerosis, as this condition has been suggested to be linked to thrombotic and/or thrombocyte abnormalities. It was found that in these patients a statistically decreased synthesis of PGE1, PGE2 and PGF took place compared to the corresponding values in normal subjects. The ratio between PGE1 and PGE2 was, however, unchanged.


The significance of blood serotonin levels in migraine. A critical review. Available evidence indicates that serotonin located within platelets--or lack of it--does not precipitate migraine attacks, and that intravenously administered serotonin is beneficial in migraine. On this premise, it is not likely that the beneficial effect of intravenously administered serotonin is due to replacement of lost intracellular serotonin. If serotonin is effective in relieving migraine pain, this is probably due to extracellular serotonin acting on the cardiovascular system. In other words, serotonin-induced relief in migraine is probably caused by the pharmacological properties of the amine--it probably acts as a drug and not by replacement. The serotonin changes in migraine are probably not primary, but caused by the disease process. Platelets may nevertheless be of importance in the pathogenesis of migraine, and serotonin may be of even more interest. However, interest in platelet serotonin will probably be diminishing in the future.


Amino acid incorporation into brain subcellular fractions in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. The in vitro protein synthetic capactiy of brain slices from guinea-pigs in the late stage (17-18 days post-induction) of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis was increased over that of Freund's adjuvant injected controls, as determined by the rate of (14C)-leucine incorporation into both tris-soluble and tris-insoluble proteins. All subcellular fractions prepared from incubated slices showed increased incorporation, with a crude nuclear fraction having the largest increase. Isolated brain mitochondria from EAE animals incorporated more amino acid into protein during the late stage of the disease, while isolated microsomes and "pH5 enzymes" show decreased amino acid incorporation compared with controls in the late stage of EAE. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of acidic, soluble proteins isolated from (3H)-leucine labeled nuclear or synaptosomal fractions revealed that increases of incorporation were generalized, and not restricted to a few proteins.


A family with dominant hereditary myotonia, muscular hypertrophy, and increased muscular irritability, distinct from myotonia congenita thomsen. Myotonia is a symptom, which occurs in a series of hereditary diseases, and it is also seen in less frequently occurring syndromes. A summary is given of conditions with myotonia. Five cases are reported from a family with a dominant hereditary disease presenting myotonia, muscular hypertrophy and increased muscle irritability as the only symptoms. In the most affected patient, some unusual rolling muscle contractions are seen. Apart from a moderate increase of creatin kinase, supplementary examinations are normal. The clinical picture resembles myotonia congenita Thomsen, but differs from this in significant respects. Other diagnostic possibilities are also considered. It is concluded that the clinical picture is different from all previously described conditions.


Bilateral internal carotid artery thrombosis. Prognosis and risk factors. Fourteen patients with bilateral internal carotid artery thrombosis were analysed with respect to long-term prognosis and the prevalence of risk factors of cerebrovascular disease. The patients comprised seven per cent of all patients with internal carotid thrombosis treated in 1966-73 at the Department of Neurology, University of Helsinki. During the follow-up period of 3 to 86 months (median 50 months) five patients died, three during the first, and two during the second year of follow-up. Of the surviving patients: two needed institutionalization; three were able to take care of themselves; and four who were virtually symptom-free, were able to work. The risk factors of cerebrovascular disease were analysed: 91 per cent were cigarette smokers; 70 per cent had serum triglycerides of 140 mg/100ml or higher; and 62 per cent had cholesterol values of 280 mg/100 ml or higher. Fasting glucose values higher than 95 mg/100 ml, and ECG abnormalities were encountered in every third, and obesity and hypertension in every fourth patient. Cigarette smoking and high triglycerides were more prevalent than in the general population. No association between the number of risk factors in the individual patients and the prognosis could be found.


Further studies on progressive external ophthalmoplegia. 46XY, normal male karyotype (G-banded) was noted in each patient with progressive external ophthalmoplegia. Although vacuoles have been recognized in other conditions, their presence in significant numbers in the diseases under scrutiny suggests the possibility of a common offending agent. It is likely that vacuolation is a pathological indication of infection by slow viruses.


RNA polymerase activity in homotransplanted rat brain tumors initially induced by ethylnitrosourea. Nuclear RNA polymerase activity was studied in homotransplanted rat glial tumors where the primary tumor was produced by transplacental injection of ethylnitrosourea. Alpha amanitin, cycloheximide, and rifampicin were tested as inhibitors of this activity. Alpha amanitin significantly inhibited RNA polymerase activity in all tumors. This indicated that the major nuclear RNA polymerase activity seen in vitro in the tumor nuclei was RNA polymerase II. This is similar to the activity seen in normal glial nuclei. Cycloheximide and rifampicin which have no effect on RNA polymerase activity in normal glial nuclei inhibited about 20% of the polymerase activity in three of the tumors. The size and multiplicity of the nucleoli in these tumor cells suggests that RNA polymerase I could account for the activity which is inhibited by cycloheximide.


A long-term study of the effects of electro-convulsions on the structure of the cerebral cortex. In this study is described the quantitative structure of one circumscribed area of the cerebral cortex 2 months after a series of electro-consulsions. The results indicate a persistent change in the nuclear volume of the cerebral neurons in this area. There was no loss of neurons in the cortex. The changes described are diffuse in the cerebral cortex and not restricted to particular architectonic layers.


Development of onion bulb neuropathy in the Trembler mouse.  Comparison with normal nerve maturation. The Trembler mouse is a neurological mutant showing dominant inheritance.  Adult animals show a segmental demyelinating lesion of the peripheral nerves characterized by prominent onion bulb formation which is very similar to that of human hypertrophic interstitial neuropathy.  Electron microscopic study of the development of this lesion in Trembler mice nerves from 1 to 21 days of age shows: 1. Axon differentiation towards a mature 1:1 axon/Schwann cell relationship is retarded, and the initiation of myelin formation is delayed. 2. Compact myelin formation is often incomplete, and when produced undergoes rapid degeneration. 3. Schwann cells become reactive to the presence of myelin debris, undergo hypertrophy and hyperplasia resulting in digestion of myelin debris and remyelination.  These processes lead to early onion bulb formation.  The presence of normal axons associated with reactive changes in Schwann cells suggest that the Schwann cell change is primary and not secondary to an axonal disorder.


Age changes in the dorsal and ventral lumbar nerve roots of dogs. Dorsal and ventral nerve roots from clinically normal dogs aged 3 months to 13 years have been examined. The L6, L7 roots were selected and samples removed from the roots within the sub-arachnoid space and within the root sleeves. Routine light microscopy, electron microscopy and single fibre studies have been made. The single teased fibre results have been analysed statistically for the correlation of internodal length and diameter. With increasing age there was marked evidence of demyelination and remyelination. Paranodal and segmental demyelination were present and there were numerous fibres showing a marked variation in internodal length. In younger animals these features were not seen. Wallerian type degeneration was uncommon. In older animals myelin balloons, similar to those described proximal to neuromas, were commonly found. These were present in both dorsal and ventral roots. The ballooning appeared to result from a splitting of the myelin sheath. The intervening space was non-staining but sometimes contained myelin debris. No evidence of neuromas was present in these roots or peripheral nerves. These studies suggest that both the ballooning and demyelination and remyelination are age related.


Cytokinetic analysis of osteogenic cells in the healing process after fracture. As the result of cytokinetic analysis of osteogenic cell at the time of reintegration after experimentally administered bone fractures in mice, the following findings were obtained: 1) Gt of mesenchymal-like cells 1 week after fracture was 23 h but that 2 weeks later was 15 h. This shortening of Gt was due to the shortening of Gt1. Gt of osteoblasts, one week after, was 20 h and that 2 weeks after was 21 h. This prolongation of Gt was due to the prolongation of St. Despite the fact that Gt of mesenchymal-like cells 2 weeks after fracture was shortened, St indicated prolongation. 2) Both mesenchymal-like cells and osteoblasts indicated a reduction of growth fractions 2 weeks later. From these facts, it is considered that in the reintegration of the fracture, these proliferative cells control their own growth fractions according to the necessity of repair of the fractured part. 3) It was argued that chondrocytes originated from mesenchymal-like cells but should not be the precursors of osteoblasts. 4) It was shown that mesenchymal-like cells must have the potential to differentiate into either osteoblasts or chondrocytes. 5) Mesenchymal-like cells are the precursors of osteoblasts and the latter are the precursors of osteocytes, but mesenchymal-like cells and osteoblasts have their own respective cell cycles. 6) It was argued that the relation between S-32 uptake by the matrix of the osteoid and chondrocytes as functional cells should be studied in relation to the role played by cartilage tissue in the mechanism of ossification.


Effect of venous stasis on longitudinal bone growth in the rabbit. The effect of ligation of veins on the longitudinal bone growth was studied in growing white rabbits.  The daily longitudinal bone growth was determined with the tettacycline technique from the day before up to 40 days after operation.  Ligation of the femoral vein, the circumflexal veins, and the deep femoral vein resulted in a temporary venous stasis.  Additional ligation of the sciatic vein resulted in the same degree of venous stasis but a more longstanding effect.  Neither of the operations resulted in growth stimulation or growth retardation compared with the control side.  On the contrary, the ligation resulted in a minor temporary general growth retardation during the first days after the operation.


Nucleic acids in articular cartilage from rabbits of different ages. The joint cartilage of immature, adult and old rabbits was examined. The joint cartilage in adult and old rabbits contained less nucleic acids than that in young rabbits. The synthesis of DNA decreases with advancing age, while no difference was found in the concentration of nucleic acids between adult and old rabbits.


Dynamic repair of acromio-clavicular dislocation. Twenty patients with complete acromio-clavicular dislocation treated between 1967 and 1973 were reviewed with a follow-up time of from 1-6 years, the average being 3 years.  They were treated by transposition of coraco-brachialia, short head of biceps and a third of pectoralis minor from their origin in the coracoid process to the clavicle together with repair of the acromio-clavicular joint.  The results were evaluated according to pain, motion, deformity and x-rays with 90 per cent excellent results, 5 per cent fiar and 5 per cent poor.  Discussion of the other types of treatment is presented.


Calcific tendinitis in the shoulder region. Forty-three shoulders in 38 patients have been reviewed. They were all operated on for long-standing incapacitating calcific tendinitis in the region of the supraspinatus tendon. Excellent or good results were obtained in 34 out of 43 shoulders. The methods employed were simple incision and curettement in 12 shoulders, curettement combined with partial resection of the acromion in 26 shoulders, and resection of the acromion in 5 shoulders. The results were the same in these three groups and about 80 per cent of the operations were successful. The most commonly affected patients were women of 45-50 years of age.


Ewing's sarcoma simulating vertebra plana. Five cases of vertebra plana have been reported, three with spontaneous regeneration and two caused by Ewing's sarcoma. It is emphasized that the diagnosis eosinophilic granuloma must rely on surgical biopsy.


Discography in paralytic scoliosis.

Discography in paralytic scoliosis. Observations are made on the progressive alterations of the intervertebral disc in paralytic scoliosis, demonstrated by discography.


Physiological genu varum.

Physiological genu varum. Physiological genu varum is a condition which, during the first years of life, usually does not require any treatment, but it can present differential diagnostic difficulties. The condition can be distinguished from Mb Blount, prenatal genu varum, hypophosphataemia, rachitis, and post-traumatic genu varum in its course, roentgenological picture, and laboratory examination. It is highly probable that physiological genu varum is the reversible initial stage at Mb Blount, because both physiological genu and Mb Blount can occur at the same time in the same patient.


Strangulated lumbar hernia and volvulus following removal of iliac crest bone graft. A case of a woman aged 88 years with a volvulus and strangulated small bowel in a hernia, following removal of iliac crest for bone grafting, is described. Emphasis is laid on prevention of an incisional hernia when obtaining the bone graft.


The roentgenological end results after caliper treatment of coxa plana with varying degrees of epiphyseal involvement. The radiological results after caliper treatment of 45 hips with Coxa Plana are presented. The material was grouped and analysed according to the degree of primary involvement of the epiphysis by the necrotic process. It was found that the risk for deformation of the femoral head became significantly higher in the groups with more extensive involvement of the epiphysis. This observation shows that the primary involvement of the epiphysis has a determining influence on the results. It further indicates that if the radiographic results from different materials of Coxa Plana are to be compared consideration must be given to the primary extent of necrosis of the epiphysis.


Bone deformation recorded in vivo from strain gauges attached to the human tibial shaft. A strain gauge rosette was attached to the midshaft of a man's tibia. This demonstrated that during every stride the bone surface was subjected to a number of discrete deformation cycles. During each cycle the bone was deformed from a particular direction, released at least partially and then deformed from another direction. This feature has been observed from a number of sites in experimental animals. The largest deformation occurred while the subject was running; the principal tension then reached 850 microstrain applied in line with the bone's long axis at 13 times 10-3 microstrain per second. When walking the largest deformation occurred prior to 'toe off'; compression was then the larger principal strain about minus 400 microstrain applied at 37 degrees to the bone's long axis at minus 4 times 10-3 microstrain per second. These strain values are the same order of size as those recorded from the long bones of sheep and pigs during their locomotion.


Tissue oxygen and carbon dioxide tensions in healing rabbit tibias. Tissue gas tensions were measured in healing rabbit tibias by means of an implanted Silastic tonometer. During the course of the healing, tissue oxygen tensions increased progressively and carbon dioxide tensions underwent a gradual decline. In all phases of repair, bone tissue gases responded to systemic hyperoxia and hypercarbia. Occlusion of local circulation resulted in tissue anoxia and accumulation of carbon dioxide. Acetazolamide, an inhibitor of carbonic anhydrase, elevated the carbon dioxide tension in the bone but not in the blood which supports earlier data indicating the presence of a functional carbonic anhydrase system in actively metabolizing bone tissue.


Arthrosis: new diagnostic procedures.

Arthrosis: new diagnostic procedures. The authors emphasize two new methods for determining the real state of the cartilage and bone structure. These methods permit the early diagnosis of arthrosis and necrosis before X-ray changes appear and perhaps a better management and prognosis.


The treatment of congenital dislocation and subluxation of the hip in the older child. Two additional risks are involved in the treatment of congenital dislocation of the hip when diagnosis is made too late: avascular necrosis following the reduction, and residual coxo-femoral dysplasia. Our study and the experience that we acquired within the past 10 years on 142 hips show the value of closed reduction by slow progressive traction with abduction and internal rotation, and the value of innominate osteotomy. These are two strong points on which we can base our treatment in order to further improve the results of our efforts in this field.


Spondylolysis and spondylolysthesis.

Spondylolysis and spondylolysthesis. On the basis of our own experience and the most up-to-date reports, we present some of the most controversial features of spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis. In particular, the importance of stress in the etiology of the lysis has been revealed by research carried out on athletes practicing strenuous sports. It has also been shown how the slipping of the olisthesic vertebra does not necessarily cease around the age of 20, but may continue, under certain conditions, even in the young adult. Finally, advice on treatment is given in relation to the various surgical techniques, emphasizing the importance of the reduction of slipping, and giving directions on the use of this technique, and its limitations.


Fracture-dislocation of the hip.

Fracture-dislocation of the hip. This report reviews two groups of cases: 194 fracture dislocations of the hip reviewed in 1952, and a follow-up of 222 additional fracture dislocations of the hip seen since then. The report describes the methods of treatment used in terms of the various classifications of fracture dislocations of the hip and analyses the results, the complications and the comparative results in these two groups of patients. Recommendations as to the proper form of management for each type of fracture dislocation are presented.


The role of the stapedius reflex in poststimulatory auditory fatigue. The human ear is very resistant against noise-induced damage in the low frequency range. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether or not the stapedium reflex is of any importance for this resistance. Subjects with peripheral facial palsy (Bell's palsy) including unilateral stapedius muscle paralysis were exposed to several different levels of narrow band noise centered at 0.5 and 2.0 kHz. Temporary threshold shift (TTS) at 0.75 kHz was significantly higher in the affected than in the nonaffected ear after 0.5 kHz noise at and above 110 dB SPL. After the exposure with 2.0 kHz narrow band noise there was no difference in TTS at 3.0 kHz between the affected and nonaffected ear. It is concluded that the attenuation provided by the stapedius reflex reduces TTS after low frequency noise exposure. An implication is that the stapedius reflex also may have the function of protecting the ear from hearing damage caused by low frequency noise exposure.


The transport of radioactive labelled sodium ions at the round window. Corroboration of the mechanism of "Arslan's operation" for morbus Menière. Radioactive-labelled sodium does not penetrate via the round window in the inner ear of guinea-pigs. The findings reported confirm the mechanism assumed by Arslan for his "osmotic induction" surgery in the treatment of morbus Menière.


A quantitative analysis of the afferent innervation of the organ of corti in guinea pig. A quantitative analysis of the afferent innervation of the organ of Corti was made on normal and vestibular nerve-sectioned guinea pigs. Section of the vestibular nerve at the internal auditory meatus provided an efficient means of eliminating the efferent innervation to the cochlea without significant loss of afferent fibres. Nerve counts on normal and de-efferented animals revealed that about 10-15 % of the cochlear afferent innervation supplies the outer hair cells. The remaining 85-90% of afferent fibres innervate the inner hair cells. As in cats, all tunnel spiral bundle fibres and upper tunnel crossing fibres were efferent to outer hair cells. Since unmyelinated fibres in the osseous spiral bundle were not counted, quantitative analysis of the efferent innervation to inner hair cells could not be made. However, a significant loss of myelinated fibres in the osseous spiral lamina after vestibular nerve section confirms that many myelinated efferent fibres are present in this region.


A comparison between subjective and objective recording of ocular counter-rolling as a result of tilting. In order to develop a quick and reliable clinical method for recording counter-rolling as an indicator of the otolith function, 14 normal persons were investigated by both an objective and a subjective recording method. For the objective recording a goniometer ocular on a Zeiss microscope was used, and for the subjective method, a luminous cross, manipulatable along the three axes of the space. The results show that the objective recording is much more reliable and better reproducible than the subjective, and is consequently a good and quick recording method for clinical investigation of counter-rolling.


Postinflammatory acquired atresia of the external auditory canal. Seventeen cases of postinflammatory acquired artresia of the external auditory canal in 14 women are described and analysed. Fourteen of these cases were solid atresias in which the auditory canal was more or less filled with fibrous tissue. Three patients had partial membranous atresia. The aetiology was external otitis and/or chronic otitis media. The formation of atresia is usually by jerks, and its steps are as follows: External otitis with destruction of the epithelium, formation of granulations, fibrosing of the granulations, and lining with new meatal skin.


Selective denervation of the autonomic nerve supply of the nasal mucosa. The autonomic innervation of the nasal mucosa has been studied in normal rats and in rats in which the supplying nerves had seen selectively transected; postoperative survival times varied from 2 weeks up to 18 months. The vascular structures appeared to be innervated both by acetylcholinesterase- and noradrenalin-containing fibres. Furthermore a nerve plexus consisting of both types of fibres was observed in the subepithelial region. The nasal glands however showed only a cholinergic innervation. The pattern of the autonomic nerve supply deduced from these selective denervation experiments does not differ fundamentally from the generally accepted scheme of this system in the nose of other mammals. Denervation occurred within 2 weeks after transection of the supplying nerves, but after longer survival times reinnervation was observed.


The influence of varying air humidity on mucociliary activity. The influence of varying humidity levels in the air surrounding the mucous membrane of rabbit tracheae has been investigated in vitro at 34 degrees C, 37 degrees C and 40 degrees C. The following results were obtained: (1) The average mucociliary wave frequency was linearly reduced following decreasing levels of relative humidity (r.h.) from 90% to 20%. (2) A temperature of 40 degrees C was more detrimental to the mucociliary function than that of 34 degrees C and 37 degrees C (body temperature) at decreasing levels of r.h. (3) At decreasing levels of r.h. the duration of experiments with preservation in recordable activity ("mucociliary survival time") was significantly shorter (p smaller than 0.05) between 50% and 40% r.h. than between 60% and 50% r.h.


Oro-pharyngeal sensitivity and elicitation of swallowing in man. In dry swallowings repeated at maximum frequency, manometric recording on healthy volunteers showed that the swallowing intervals successively increased. After surface anaesthesia of the oro-pharynx the difficulties in dry swallowing increased. A corresponding increase did not occur in sham tests. The results show that the elicitation of swallowing is dependent upon oro-pharyngeal sensitivity and further that the reflexive elicitation of swallowing cannot instantly be fully replaced by other mechanisms.


Perstimulatory suprathreshold auditory adaptation in children. The decline in loudness of a pure tone was used as a criterion of perstimulatory suprathreshold auditory adaptation. The testing technique consisted of continuous binaural balancing of a steady adapting stimulus with an interrupted comparison tone of equal frequency, the pulse and pulse intervals being of 200 msec duration. The measurements were carried out in the majority of cases at 60 dB sensation level for frequencies 2 000 to 4 000 Hz. In normal-hearing test subjects younger than 15 years, as compared with adults, adaptation was of a different character. It could be demonstrated only in a few cases, which were almost without exception among the oldest in their group. The amount of adaptation in the group of 15-18-year-old subjects did not differ statistically from that of the adult persons, even though the adaptation was slight in 25% of the cases. The lacking or slight adaptation was noticeable also in all types of hearing disorders in the young patients.


Squamous cell carcinoma of the gingiva. Histological classification and grading of malignancy. A histological classification and grading of malignancy has been performed on the initial biopsies from 124 patients with squamous-cell carcinoma of the gingiva treated during the period 1958-69 at the Karolinska hospital. Six different morphological parameters were evaluated with respect to the tumour cell population and the tumour-host relationship estimated in terms of a four-point scale. This permitted grading with total points ranging from 6-24. A strong correlation was found between the degree of histological malignancy and the fatal outcome of the disease. Thus a tumour with a point value of 16 almost always led to the death of the patient while the best results were achieved with surgery alone in the group of small cancers (T1 + T2) with low total malignancy points.


Semi-objective method for auditory mass screening of neonates. An instrument called the Accelerometer Recording System (ARS) was developed for graphically recording responses of neonates to auditory stimulation. Its main component, is an accelerometer, which picks up vibrations of the crib, caused by the response movements of the infant. In a pilot study with 400 newborns, a distinct record was registered in all but seven. The ARS seems to offer a semi-objective test procedure which is short, simple and reliable. It promises to be a valid test method for mass screening of newborns for early detection of profound hearing loss.


Purulent meningitis in the newborn infant. The main clinical features of neonatal purulent meningitis are discussed on the basis of 19 neonatal cases. The liability to infection of preterm and dysmature babies and the role of Gram-negative bacteria in the aetiology of neonatal meningitis is emphasized. Pathological perinatal events should be regarded as predisposing factors. From the point of view of early diagnosis even the most discrete symptoms are of importance. The therapy of choice is early treatment with combinations of broad-spectrum antibiotics in high doses. Repeated electroencephalographic and immunologic examination provide a useful guideline in treatment and prognosis.


Purulent meningitis in infancy and childhood. Clinical features, humoral immunity and EEG findings in infants and children suffering from purulent meningitis are discussed on the basis of data collected in the last 10 years. Purulent meningitis is a grave disease with a bad prognosis and a mortality rate of 47 and 12% in infancy and in childhood, respectively. Beyond the importance of early diagnosis and adequate treatment, the use of immunological tests and EEG findings in emphasized.


Spontaneous changes in growth hormone and insulin levels in newborn infants. Ten term, normally grown newborn infants aged 3-5 days with hyperbilirubinaemia due to rhesus or ABO incompatibility have been studied. Blood samples were taken via an umbilical venous catheter at 10 minute intervals in order to study spontaneous changes in growth hormone, insulin, glucose and free fatty acid concentration. Mean plasma GH, insulin and glucose concentrations remained unchanged, but the FFA level rose, due probably to the low room temperature at which the investigations were performed. Analysis of individual changes showed large and bidirectional alterations in GH and insulin, which were much greater than the error of the analytical methods. The findings should be considered in the evaluation of diagnostic investigations performed on newborn infants.


[A testing arrangement for spatial hearing]. A test-situation which concerns the spatial character of hearing is demonstrated. The subject indicates the estimated location of the stimulus. The WN is presented at a short distance from the head and thus discrepancies in distance can also be discriminated. The subjective space of man (polar system of coordinates) consists of three dimensions (horizontal, vertical and distance equals radius); for each of these three dimensions the average shift of the centre and the standard deviation (representing the error) are calculated. When testing lateral (45 degrees right or left) the average error is a little smaller for the horizontal scale than for the vertical. As far as the distance is concerned the results of the 21 subjects varied considerably; while some of the persons showed surprisingly good location ability, others supposed the noise to come from even outside the camera silens. The investigation has been carried out to contribute to the exploration of subjective acoustic space. It is also planned to apply the test as a diagnostic procedure in various neurological disturbances.


[Oscillometry on various stape protheses. Experimental examination of human temporal bone preparations]. In human temporal bone specimens the vibrations of the labyrinthine fluid were measured by a piezoelectric system after application of various techniques of otosclerosis surgery. Compared with the amplitude in the case of a normal stapes, the surgical techniques according to Zangemeister, Shea and Schuknect resulted in considerable transmission losses in the high frequency range, while transmission of low frequencies to the inner ear was almost equivalent to normal transmission via the stapes. For frequencies of more than 3,000 Hertz the damping influence of the fibrous tissue implanted into the oval window was verified. The results of surgery according to Zangemeister, Shea and Schuknechtdid not differ significantly in the low and medium frequency range. Only a Robinson prosthesis implanted like a Teflon piston caused an impairment of transmission, while the method of fitting this prosthesis onto fibrous tissue was equilvalent to the other techniques.


Projection of the vestibular nerve to the SI arm field in the cerebral cortex of the cat. Evoked cortical focal potentials from electrical vestibular nerve stimulation were recorded in the Pcd-area in cats anaesthetized with Chloralose or Nembutal. For comparison, additional cortical projections were located for n. rad. superficialis and group Ia muscle afferents from n. rad. prof., n. fibularis prof., n. femuralis ramus muscularis and the motor nerve to the trapezoid muscle. Surface positive potentials, which reversed to negativity in middle cortical layers, were for vestibular nerve stimulation recorded in the S I forelimb field in a small area close to Pcd in the posterior medial part of the deep radial nerve projection field. The location of this field is compared with the vestibulo-cortical projections described earlier for rodents, squirrel monkey, and rhesus monkey. The histology shows that the field was within the cytoarchitectonic 3a area.


Glycerol effects on the perilymphatic and cerebro-spinal fluid pressure. Glycerol has been injected intravenously in guinea pig and its effects on the pressure in the cochlear fluids have been studied. Simultaneously, arterial and cerebro-spinal pressures have been recorded. Glycerol lowered the intracochlear as well as cerebro-spinal and blood pressures, the latter only temporarily. Different possible mechanisms for the glycerol effect on the intracochlear pressure and its transient effect on hearing in Menière's disease are discussed.


Plasminogen activators in ovarian tumours. Ovarian tumours obtained at laparotomy were histochemically examined for their local fibrinolytic activity, and simultaneous fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) were determined in the serum. The fibrinolytic activity was confined mainly to vessels of both malignant and benign tumours. A very close correlation was demonstrated between the fibrinolytic activity and the vascularity of the sections. FDP were found in the serum in 13 of 14 patients with malignant tumours, but in none with benign tumours. The difference in occurrence of FDP in patients with malignant and benign tumours might be due to the invasive growth of the former with the entrance of thromboplastic substances, fibrinolytic activators or locally formed FDP into the bloodstream.


[Protein concentration in the guinea-pig perilymph]. The protein concentration of the guinea pig perilymph was investigated systematically using a micro-modification of the method of Lowry et al. Perilymph of scala vestibuli and of scala tympani was obtained from living animals and immediately post mortem by various methods. In living animals it is especially difficult to obtain samples without blood contamination. Another problem in the obtaining of perilymph from living animals is the contamination of tympanic perilymph samples with cerebrospinal fluid. This contamination diminishes the protein concentration of perilymph to a high degree. When the subarachnoid space is opened suboccipitally before perilymph extraction, there is no significant difference between protein content in tympanic and vestibular perilymph. The mean protein concentration in both cochlea scales is about 150 mg/100 ml. When samples are extracted post mortem from animals perfused intra-arterially, mean values of protein are in the same range. Without perfusion of animals, the mean value of tympanic samples extracted post mortem is significantly higher. Causes of artefacts in perilymph investigations are discussed.


Cytokinetic variations during ageing and regenerative growth in the jb-1 ascites tumour studied by impulse cytophotometry. The variation in the DNA distributions in the murine JB-1 ascites tumour was investigated by means of impulse cytophotometry (ICP) on days 2, 4, 7, 10 and 14 after i.p. inoculation of 2.5 times 10-6 tumour cells and on days 1, 2, 3 and 4 after aspiration of the main part of 10-day plateau tumours. The study showed that a considerable fraction of cells with a DNA content of about 2 and 4 n (p smaller than 0.001) accumulated from day 2 to 10. During the same period the fraction of cells in S decreased significantly (p smaller than 0.001). One and two days after aspiration, a rapid rearrangement in the distribution pattern occurred, leading to a predominance of cells with S DNA content, while the fraction of cells around 2 n and 4 n decreased. Three and four days after aspiration the cells again accumulated around the 2 and 4 n values while the fraction of cells with S DNA content decreased. The ICP results were in agreement with our data obtained by autoradiography and Feulgen microspectrophotometry, and ICP is recommended as a rapid and statistically precise method in cytokinetic analysis.


Healing of a crush injury in rat striated muscle. 1. Description and testing of a new method of inducing a standard injury to the calf muscles. In this report an apparatus is described which can quickly and reliably induce a standard crushing injury in a desired location of rat calf muscle without tearing the skin. To test the constancy of injury caused by the apparatus, both hind legs of rats were traumatized. Two days after traumatization, the rats were killed and the hind legs were inspected macroscopically and microscopically following prior formalin fixation. The breaking strength of the muscles was measured immediately after traumatization. In every case, the injury totally penetrated the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle, but never damaged the whole jumping complex of muscles (gastrocnemius, plantaris and soleus). Both the location and the dimensions of the wound as well as the breaking strength of the injured muscles remained inside such narrow limits that the trauma can be regraded as constant.


The effect of portocaval anastomosis on the permeability to horseradish peroxidase of cerebral vessels of the rat. The blood-brain barrier to horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was tested in rats with hepatic encephalopathy induced by portocaval anastomosis. An increased number of vesicles containing HRP was seen in endothelial cells. Basement membranes of some vessels and the adjacent neuropil were filled with HRP. Astrocytes showed swollen end-feet. The cytoplasm of astrocytes adjacent to HRP containing basement membranes was evenly filled with HRP. This phenomenon could be caused either by cellular hyperactivity or by leaking membranes due to cell damage.


Brain uptake of lactate, antipyrine, water and ethanol. Brain uptake of antipyrine, water and ethanol was studied in rats under normo-, hypo- and hypercapnic conditions. Brain uptake of D- and L-lactate was studied in normal rats. The uptake was determined with the Oldendorf method, using single common carotid arterial injections of a mixture of -14C-labeled test substance and tritiated reference substance. The results demonstrate that L-lactate is taken up by the brain in significant amounts. The results also demonstrate marked differences in the uptakes of antipyrine, water and ethanol. The brain uptake of antipyrine is lower, the brain uptake of ethanol higher, than of water. The brain uptake of all 3 substances was shown not to be affected by changes in cerebral blood flow, although a decrease of brain uptake of antipyrine relative to ethanol was observed during hypo- and hypercapnia.


LDH isozymes in skeletal muscles of endurance and strength trained athletes. Muscle biopsy samples were obtained from arm and leg muscles of endurance and strength trained athletes, respectively. Total LDH activity as well as occurrence and activity of LDH isozymes were determined. Comparing the results from the athletes with those from non-trained subjects with corresponding fibre compositions, it was found that the endurance athletes had a lower total LDH activity, a higher relative activity of the most heart-specific isozymes. LDH (1 + 2), and, on electrophoretic separation, a complete absence of LDH (4 + 5) in both arm and leg muscles. As compared to the untrained material the strength trained athletes tended to have a higher total LDH activity, a similar distribution of relative isozyme activities, and, in the leg muscles, a strong electrophoretic band corresponding to LDH 5, the most skeletal muscle specific isozyme.


The force-velocity relation in phasic contractions of venous smooth muscle. The force-velocity relation of the rat portal vein has been studied during regular spontaneous contractions induced by elevated levels of [K-+]O AND [Ca-2+]o. No satisfactory description of the force-velocity relation was obtained by measuring shortening velocity in afterloaded isotonic contractions. Therefore the method of isotonic quick release was used, as this permits mechanical studies at specified instants of the contraction-relaxation cycle. The temporal development of the force-velocity relation in the phasic response was investigated. During a time interval in the rising phase of the contraction, at about the time for maximal dP/dt, the force-velicity curves were practically identical, suggesting a plateau in the intensity of active state. At later stages of the twitch the curves were progressively displaced towards the origin, the intercepts on both the force and the velocity axis becoming smaller. At the time of the isometric peak the maximal shortening velocity had declined relatively more than the isometric force. This is presumably caused by inhomogeneous activation of the muscle at the beginning of relaxation, The maximal force-velocity relation in the rising phase of the contraction can be described by Hill's (1938) equation with the following parameters (at 37 degrees tc): a/Po = 0.73 plus or minus 0.04, b = 0.54 plus or minus 0.04 lengths/s, Vmax = 0.74 plus or minus 0.02 lengths/s (n = 7, mean plus or minus S.E,). The force-velocity relation of the portal vein in comparison with other kinds of muscle is discussed.


Isometric and isotonic relaxation in venous smooth muscle. The time course of relaxation under isometric and isotonic conditions was studied in preparations of rat portal vein which maintained regular phasic contractions in solutions with increased [K-+] and [Ca-2+]. It was found that the smooth muscle during isotonic lengthening was able to carry the afterload for a period of time which was longer than expected from the control isometric response. The difference was largest for afterloads corresponding to about half the isometric peak force. The terminal decline in force was identical in afterloaded and purely isometric responses. Inhibitory influences of isotonic shortening causing increased rates of relaxation, as reported for striated muscles, were not observed. The differences in the course of relaxation between isotonic and isometric responses of portal vein could not be attributed to variations in membrane excitation. It also appears that the differences are not due to changes in release or uptake of activator calcium, or to presence of viscous elements in the tissue. It is suggested that the ability of the smooth muscle to carry load over a relatively long period during isotonic relaxation may be attributed to the characteristics of the instantaneous force-velocity relations in the force range above Po.


Influence of peritubular hydrostatic and oncotic pressures on fluid reabsorption in proximal tubules of the rat kidney. Proximal tubular reabsorption was measured with the split droplet technique under the following conditions. Group 1. Star vessel perfusions with ultrafiltrate in the presence of human serum albumin (HSA) and with ultrafiltrate alone. Group 2. Capillary perfusions, under locally high flow rates, with ultrafiltrate in the absence or presence of HSA. Group 3. Subcapsular perfusions with ultrafiltrate of high HSA concentrations but under low hydrostatic pressure and ultrafiltrate of low HSA concentrations but under elevated hydrostatic pressure. In Group 1, the presence of HSA increased the reabsorptive rate, whereas ultrafiltrate alone had no provable effect on the reabsorptive rate. In Group 2, a flow dependent decrease of the reabsorptive rate, that was not influenced by the presence of HSA, was observed. Finally, in Group 3, high concentrations of HSA did not alter the reabsorptive rate, whereas elevation of the hydrostatic pressure decreased the reabsorptive rate. The results cannot be explained on the basis of a simple passive mode of action of colloid osmotic and hydrostatic pressure on the reabsorptive rate. The possibility of a direct tubulae capillary transport route is discussed.


Observations of the early diuretic response after intravenous administration of bumetanide and furosemide in dogs. A transient natriuretic peak was observed in dogs the third minute after the i.v. administration of the highly active diuretics bumetanide and furosemide. The peak is dependent on the sodium balance such that it is potentiated during positive sodium balance and is not observed in sodium depleted dogs. A relationship exists between the simultaneous occurrence of the peak and abolition of the cortico-medullary electrolyte gradient.


Atropine sensitivity of the rat urinary bladder during nerve degeneration. The pressure response of the rat urinary bladder to electrical stimulation of the pelvic nerve at a low stimulation frequency was found to be almost completely atropine resistant. However, the response to stimulation of the degenerating pelvic nerve 20-30 h after section of the nerve postganglionically using maximal stimulation frequency was totally abolished by atropine or the parasympatholytic agent Hoechst 9980. The responses were not affected by hexamethonium or dihydroergotamine, but were potentiated by eserine. The non-adrenergic portion of the bladder response to stimulation of the degenerating hypogastric nerves was also abolished by atropine or Hoechst 9980. It is concluded that the transmitter activating the detrusor muscle at stimulation of the pelvic nerve or the non-adrenergic part of the hypogastric nerve probably is acetylcholine.


A compact perfusion system for studies on the control of metabolic processes in isolated organs from small animals. A compact apparatus for perfusion of isolated organs from small animals is described. The system is based on a module principle making it useable both in low and high pressure perfusions. 40-80 ml of heparinized, diluted rat blood used as liver-perfusion medium, is recirculated in the system, which is temperature controlled by means of a water jacket. A new type of capillary membrane oxygenator is used for oxygenation. The system permits rapid measurements of perfusate flow, vascular resistance, bile production (when the isolated liver is used), urinary production (when the isolated kidney is used), gas tensions, oxygen consumption, pH and perfusion pressure. Descriptions of the techniques used for operation and perfusion of isolated livers and kidneys from rats are given. By the generally accepted criteria of viability the isolated rat liver remains almost normal for the test period of 3 h. Liver functions were normal as judged by formation of glucose, respiratory rate, urea and bile production and gross morphology. There was very little leakage of liver enzymes into the perfusate. The transformation and elimination of labelled corticosterone were studied to test the steroid metabolizing activity of the isolated rat liver preparation.


In vitro uptake of bile acids by choroid plexus, kidney cortex and anterior uvea. I. The iodipamide-sensitive transport systems in the rabbit. Renal cortex, anterior uvea, lateral choroid plexus and terminal ileum accumulate -14C-cholate, glycocholate, deoxycholate and chenodeoxycholate to considerable tissue/medium ratios. Iodipamide partly inhibits accumulation by kidney, uvea and plexus but not ileum. In renal cortex the sensitive part is similar to 10, 60 and 90 percent for dihydroxy acids, cholate and glycocholate respectively. Hippurate depresses uptake in kidney and uvea but hardly in plexus. Simultaneous uptake by renal cortex and uvea of -14C-cholate or glycocholate, -125I-iodipamide and -131I-o-iodohippurate was studied with unlabelled iodipamide and hippurate as inhibitors. The concentration-dependence of the inhibition required the assumption of 4 partly overlapping iodipamide-sensitive transport systems handling the 4 test substances: the hippurate (H)-system, one moderately (L(1)) and one very hippurate-resistant (L(2)) part of the liverlike L-system and a fourth system called BS, more evenly inhibitable by iodipamide and hippurate than the others. The L(2)-system carries iodipamide but very little bile acids. No iodipamide-sensitive system clearly specialized for bile acid transport was found. The systems have only moderate affinity for bile acids and probably treat them just as large organic anions. A new mathematical procedure to test the degree of complexity of composite transport systems without kinetic assumptions was used.


Effect of substance P on various vascular beds in the dog. Using the electromagnetic flowmeter technique, the blood flow in the aorta, carotid, hepatic, superior mesenteric, renal and femoral arteries and portal vein was recorded during continuous i.v. infusion of synthetic Substance P (SP) in 8 dogs. Systemic and portal blood pressures were recorded. A significant decrease in mean arterial blood pressure was recorded at infusion of SP in the femoral vein at a rate of 2.5 ng x min-1 x kg b.w.-1 or higher. Portal venous blood pressure increased. A rapid increase in the carotid, hepatic, mesenteric and portal blood flow was obtained at infusion rates of 1.2 ng x min-1 x kg b.w.-1 or higher. The femoral artery responded with a late, transient increase in flow, with a return to the base level while the infusion was still in progress. The renal artery 0lood flow decreased slightly at low infusion rates and increased at higher. At SP infusions in the portal vein the infusion rate had to be increased to 20 ng x min-1 x kg b.w.-1 or higher before any general vascular reactions lere recorded, indicating that the liver has a high capacity for inactivating SP.


Detection of natural complex sounds by cells in the primary auditory cortex of the cat. The neural mechanisms involved in the detection of natural complex sounds were studied by recording single-neuron responses from 132 cells in the primary auditory cortex of the cat. The cats were paralyzed and under neuroleptanalgesia (NLA). The cells were first stimulated with pure tones; the responses were then compared with those evoked by many different types of complex sounds, most of which were animal vocalizations. Per-stimulus-time (PST) histograms constructed from the responses to repetitive stimuli were compared with the corresponding sound spectrograms formed from the sounds used as stimuli. Of 100 cells 68 per cent gave predictable responses to complex sounds on the basis of their responses to different pure tone frequencies. In 32 per cent of the cells the responses were unpredictable. Half of these cells did not react to pure tones at all but responded to one or more animal vocalizations or generator sounds with different patterns. Some cells reacted to pure tones in quite a different way than to certain complex sounds, e.g. with inhibition instead of excitation. These results indicate that cells in the primary auditory cortex of the cat reacting in an unpredictable way to sounds with a complex structure have a more or less specialized function, in detecting and analyzing natural and other complex sound patterns. Cells reacting phasically to pure tones seem to be involved in the detection of transient sound elements.


Effects of myocardial infarction on adrenergic nerves of the rat heart muscle, a histochemical study. The anterior branch of the left coronary artery of the rat heart was ligated and the effects of anoxia on adrenergic nerves were studied histochemically using formaldehyde-induced fluorescence for localization of norepinephrine. Greenish catecholamine fluorescence was associated in the normal or infarcted myocardium only with adrenergic nerves. Constant but not prominent changes were seen in adrenergic nerve fibers 2 or 4 h after ligation of the coronary artery; the number of dilicate adrenergic fibers was reduced and some diffusion of the histochemical reaction was seen in small areas of the infarcted myocardium. Strong effects of anoxia were seen 8 h or more after ligation of the coronary artery. These were characterized by a prominent diffusion of the histochemical reaction and gradual disappearance of adrenergic structures in 2 to 4 days of anoxia. During the healing phase the appearance of numerous adrenergic nerve fibers was closely connected with the ingrowth of a new vascular bed into the infarction area. The observations indicate that adrenergic nervous structures of the myocardium resist the effects of anoxia, which may indicate the viability of sympathetic nerves in the infarcted area during long periods of anoxia.


Clearance of some quaternary amines from the spinal subarachnoid space. The spinal subarachnoid space was perfused with artificial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the low lumbar level to the middle thoracic level or to the cisterna magna in anesthetized rabbits. 3-H-choline, 3-H-methyl-atropine or 3-H-decamethonium with carrier in different concentrations was added to the perfusate together with 14-C-inulin, the latter serving as a marker of the dilution of the perfusate by original CSF. Choline was eliminated from the perfusate partly by a saturable mechanism probably by an uptake into the spinal cord. About 15 per cent of the radioactivity of the choline infused was recovered from the spinal cord mainly as phosphorylcholine, betaine, and phospholipids. Amphetamine decreased the elimination of choline from ventriculocisternal perfusates and partly inhibited the uptake of choline in rabbit choroid plexus in vitro. In contrast, amphetamine did not influence the saturable elimination of choline in the lumbothoracic perfusion. Neither methylatropine nor decamethonium was eliminated from the perfusate by a saturable mechanism in the lumbothoracic perfusions. However, in perfusions including the cisterna magna methylatropine was partly eliminated by such a mechanism. The concentration of radioactivity in fourth ventricular choroid plexa suggested this structure to be responsible for the saturable part of the elimination. In conclusion, there is no active removal of quaternary amines in general from spinal CSF like the choroid plexus mediated clearance from ventricular CSF.


The metabolism of acetate in the perfused hind-quarter of the rat. The elimination kinetics of acetate, the main end product of ethanol metabolism in the liver and the influence of acetate oxidation on the redox- and energy state of the isolated perfused hind-quarter of the rat were studied. The rate of acetate uptake increased with increasing initial concentration of acetate in the perfusion medium, suggesting that the plasma level of free acetate may be one factor in the regulation of acetate uptake in the skeletal muscle. Addition of acetate as a single dose did not affect the net production of lactate or the uptake of glucose. In continuous infusion experiments at a constant concentration of 2 mM of acetate in the medium, the lactate/pyruvate ratio was unaffected in the medium and in the muscle tissue. Addition of acetate did not affect the oxygen uptake. Experiments with 14-C-acetate showed that about 50% of added radioactivity was found in form of 14-CO2 accounting for 25 to 45% of the oxidative metabolism in the muscle tissue. It was calculated that about 25% of the acetate produced in the liver during ethanol oxidation can be consumed in the resting, perfused hind-quarter of the rat. The tissue content of high-energy phosphate compounds was not significantly affected by acetate.


No role for zinc in the storage of histamine in rat peritoneal mast cells. The histamine in the granules of mast cells has been proposed to be stored as a heparin-zinc-histamine complex. Due to its chelating action zinc should increase (double) the histamine binding capacity of heparin. We have determined the zinc content of isolated rat peritoneal mast cells to 2.4-4.1 nmol/10-6 cells and of their granules to 13.3-21.4 nmol/mg dry weight. The corresponding amounts of histamine were 150 and 680 nmol respectively. The zinc content found is far (20 times) too low to allow for an adequate binding of histamine in a heparin-zinc-histamine complex. In vitro the granules take up zinc in the same manner as they take up other cations and zinc competes with histamine for granule storage sites. Consequently, Hi-uptake is reduced and not enhanced in the presence of zinc in the suspension medium. In summary no evidence was found for a storage function of zinc in a heparin-zinc-histamine complex.